With Water Heritage Day happening this year on Sunday, 23rd August, community groups are now being invited to apply for funding to mark the 2026 event.
€30,000 in grant funding is available through the Water Heritage Grants Scheme 2026 for community-led events and initiatives that celebrate local water heritage and promote awareness of water quality. Events will be held during Heritage Week 2026.
Anthony Coleman, Director of Services at the Local Authority Waters Programme noted the title of this year’s event.
“In partnership with the Heritage Council, we are delighted to once again encourage community groups to apply for funding for a water-related event this Heritage Week. The theme of Heritage Week 2026 is ‘Heritage at Risk’ and it is important that we support initiatives that help communities understand, protect and celebrate their local waterways, particularly where aspects of our water heritage may be at risk,” he said.
To run a Heritage Week event, applicants must register the event on the Heritage Week website: https://www.heritageweek.ie/get-involved/organise-an-event
Applications for the grants can be submitted through the Local Authority Waters Programme Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme 2026 portal at LAWPRO.ie. The closing date for applications is Monday, 20th July at 5pm.
“Water Heritage Day remains one of the standout features of National Heritage Week, highlighting the imaginative and innovative ways communities celebrate the heritage and history of our canals, rivers, lakes, and coastal waters,” Virginia Teehan, CEO of the Heritage Council, said. “Through the Water Heritage Grants Scheme, communities can uncover, share, and celebrate the stories connected to our waterways, recognising their enduring importance to both our cultural and natural heritage.”
Funding is provided for the Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and administered by the Local Authority Waters Programme.
As an added incentive to community groups, later in the year an awards ceremony will recognise outstanding events held throughout Heritage Week 2026. Organisers of Water Heritage Day events can submit their event to be considered for a Water Heritage Award. More information on the awards can be found at: www.heritageweek.ie/awards
